Student Spotlight: Jennifer Beaman

Jennifer BeamanMajor: Nursing

When her youngest child entered kindergarten, Jennifer Beaman went to school, too.

Before college, she thought about going into medicine. But love, marriage and a growing
family set her life on a different path. Then her marriage ended and Beaman became
a single parent of six. She needed a livelihood and knew just what she wanted to do.

“I’m a mother and a nurturer, so nursing seemed like the perfect fit,” she said.

College of DuPage was close to home and offered Beaman the flexibility she needed
to achieve her goal. Money was tight, so Beaman applied for COD scholarships, receiving
two awards to help with tuition and other costs. For the next two years, Beaman attended
class during the day while her children were at school. After dinner, the family did
their homework together at the kitchen table.

Beaman graduated from COD’s Nursing program, passed her Registered Nursing Exam two
months later and landed a job the very next month as Public Health Nurse, Family Case
Manager for the DuPage County Health Department. She is now a nurse for the DuPage
County Sheriff’s Office and is returning to school to finish her BSN.

“My life has changed significantly in so many ways,” she said. “This would not have
been possible without the support of the faculty and staff at COD.”

Beaman takes pride in all she accomplished and in the example she set for her children
and others.

“I have been able to share my story with a couple of clients, single mothers, and
hope that it gives them the strength somehow, in some way, to continue their education
for a better life,” she said. “I don't think a day goes by that I haven't thought
about my connection to COD and how it has changed my life.”

College of DuPage Addison Center

College of DuPage Addison Center is located in the Technology Center of DuPage (TCD) on the east side of Swift Road, north of North Avenue and south of Army Trail Road. Swift Road is approximately 3/4 mile west of Route 53 or I-355.

College of DuPage Lisle location

The Lisle location is home to the College of DuPage Foundation, Center of Entrepreneurship and WorkNet Force. College of DuPage Lisle is located in the One Corporate Lakes building at the corner of Forbes and Cabot drives, just north of Warrenville Road.

College of DuPage Naperville Center

College of DuPage Naperville Center is located on the south side of Rickert Drive. Rickert Drive is accessed by turning north from 75th Street two miles west of Washington Street. From Route 59, travel east on 75th Street to Rickert Drive and turn north.

College of DuPage Westmont Center

College of DuPage Westmont Center is located on the west side of Pasquinelli Drive. Pasquinelli Drive is accessed by turning north from Ogden Avenue one block west of Route 83. The center entrance is immediately north of the bank.